#Alvin Chau

Macau Business

Chinese punters placed RMB300 bln in bets linked to Suncity online gambling

Mainland Chinese gamblers had contributed over RMB300 billion (MOP339 billion/USD42 billion) to online gaming activities led by former Suncity Group boss Alvin Chau, China Central Television has reported. According to a CCTV report on Monday, a court in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, believes that the junket operator could have pocketed around RMB8.7…

Incidents ・ 08 January 2024

AGB - Asia Gaming Brief

Suncity's online gambling wagering exceeded $42.2 billion, reported the State-owned TV

The report from CCTV has unveiled details of the cross-border gambling operations, including the scale of the online gambling business, affiliates' requirements, and how the online gambling group received and settled gambling funds. CCTV noted that Alvin Chau started an online gambling business in the Philippines targeting Chinese nationals in…

Incidents ・ 08 January 2024

VOA

UN Warns of Growing Money Laundering, Shadow Banking Risk from Mekong Casinos

Transnational criminal gangs are using Southeast Asia's booming and increasingly digital gambling industry as a shadow banking system to covertly move and launder ever more dirty money, United Nations officials have told VOA. Drawing on new research and analysis, including the latest intelligence from local law enforcement, the U.N. Office on Drugs…

Incidents ・ 29 October 2023

Asgam

Mass baccarat contributed 59% of Macau-wide GGR in 1Q23

Mass market baccarat continues to dominate the Macau gaming landscape, with figures published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau showing it contributed MOP$20.51 billion (US$2.54 billion) in gross gaming revenues in the first three months of the year - comprising 58.9% of market-wide GGR. While this was slightly down on the 62.9%…

Baccarat ・ 05 May 2023

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Gambling News

Macau Casino Revenue in January up 82.5%, Recovery on the Cards

Shares of Macau casino operators posted gains of between 3% and 5% after official data released by the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China's government revealed that gambling revenue in January nearly doubled. Macau casinos generated MOP11.58 billion ($1.44 billion) in gross revenue in the first month of 2023 to post an increase of 82.5%…

Finance ・ 01 February 2023

Gambling News

Macau Police Busts Illegal Gambling Scheme and Arrests 15 People

The Macau Daily Times reported that the arrested Macau residents of ages 29 to 66 years old were allegedly part of an illegal online gambling business operated on overseas servers. At a press conference that took place on January 12, the Macau Judiciary Police announced that it had acted together with the Guangdong Province police and together the…

Incidents ・ 15 January 2023

Vegas Slots Online

Macau Casinos Seek $16.8m in Damages in Tak Chun Trial

Four casino operators in Macau are seeking damages totaling MOP$135m (US$16.8m) from the defendants in a major illegal VIP gambling case. Former chairman of Tak Chun Group Levo Chan is currently on trial, alongside nine other defendants. MGM China, SJM Resorts, The Venetian Macau, and the Wynn Macau are all seeking the multimillion-dollar payout in…

Incidents ・ 06 December 2022

PokerTube

Police Sting Uncovers $5.6billion Crypto Laundering Chinese Gambling Ring

Chinese law enforcement have arrested 93 individuals in a 100-day sting operation aimed at cryptocurrency money laundering, with illegal gambling at the heart of the criminal gang's $5.6billion operation. The authorities swooped on the 9.15 gang, led by Hong Mau, believed to be at the centre of massive fraud and illegal gambling in Hainan,…

Incidents ・ 12 November 2022

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AGB - Asia Gaming Brief

Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Crown fine issued: 'warning' to gambling industry

Good morning. The Victorian gambling watchdog has slammed Crown Resorts with two fines totaling $77.75 million, in what it calls a'warning' to the gambling industry over misconduct. The authority says it is still considering other punitive measures, but has calmed on the possibility of canceling the group's casino license. In Macau, the judge…

Industry ・ 08 November 2022

Gambling News

Defendant Admits He Helped Suncity Customers Open Online Gambling Accounts

The court proceedings against a group of former Suncity Group employees continue with full force after Chinese authorities cracked down on the junket operator uncovering illegal gambling activities, side-betting operations, fraud, and other violations. In the course of the hearings, which have been going on for the past nine days, one more…

Trust and Safety ・ 29 September 2022

Vegas Slots Online

Chinese Gambling Ring That Laundered $5.6bn Unearthed

Chinese authorities have taken down an enormous, high-profile criminal syndicate in the Hunan province, according to reports. $5.6bn in proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency The group managed an illegal gambling network and numerous telecommunication scams, from which $5.6bn in proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency. According to…

Crypto ・ 28 September 2022

AGB - Asia Gaming Brief

Alvin Chau denies involvement in online gambling operations

Two defendants testified in the matter involving Alvin Chau, but Chau continued denying his involvement saying, "he does not gamble and was not familiar with gambling operations." Along with 20 other defendants, there are 286 criminal cases registered against Chau for allegedly promoting illegal gambling, operating a criminal syndicate, fraud, and…

Trust and Safety ・ 23 September 2022

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European Gaming

Macau Gambling Boss Denies Illegal Gambling, Criminal Syndicate Allegations

A well-known Macau gambling boss in China's special administrative region of Macau denied charges including enabling illegal gaming, running a criminal syndicate and money laundering at the start of his trial on Monday. Alvin Chau was chairman of Macau's Suncity junket - which brokers the gambling activity of Chinese high rollers - until December…

Law ・ 22 September 2022

Asgam

Suncity executive Cheung Yat Ping denies involvement in online gambling as text records highlight discussions around Philippines proxy betting

A senior executive of Macau junket operator Suncity Group told prosecutors on Wednesday that he and the company were not involved in online gambling, despite text messages of past conversations alluding to the operation of proxy betting in the Philippines. On the third day of the trial of 21 people, including former CEO Alvin Chau, following their…

Jobs ・ 21 September 2022

Vegas Slots Online

Macau Gambling Head Denies Laundering, Illegal Gaming

Alvin Chau, a well-known gambling executive in Macau, denied charges of illegal gaming, money laundering, and running a criminal syndicate during his trial on Monday. arrested on a warrant accusing him of illegal gambling on the Chinese mainland Chau served as the chairman of Macau's Suncity junket, which helps organize activities for Chinese high…

Covid ・ 19 September 2022

The Saturday Paper

Casino within a casino: Star’s extraordinary breaches

The operators of The Star casino in Sydney chose deception at almost every turn, even in writing to the royal commission-like inquiry appointed to examine whether they were fit to hold a licence. Spoiler: on Tuesday, they were found unsuitable. Although there is a deep stream of misconduct and breathtaking negligence to wade through, it is perhaps…

Travel ・ 16 September 2022

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Probe into Star Entertainment Group casinos begins

The long-anticipated probe into Star Entertainment Group in Queensland got underway on Tuesday morning this week, with the first day of hearing establishing that the company's Queensland properties may have been encouraging high-risk gamblers to visit and play at the property, local media ABC reported. The investigation, which is currently presided…

Finance ・ 25 August 2022

EJINSIGHT

Who wants to bid for Macao casino licences? EJINSIGHT

The Macao SAR government has set a deadline of September 14 for gambling operators to submit bids for new licences, due to begin at the start of 2023. The licences of the six current operators, three U.S.-owned, will expire at the end of December. The Covid pandemic and the resultant restrictions on travel have caused the worst three years in the…

Covid ・ 25 August 2022

Gambling News

Sands China Embraces the End of the VIP Salons in Macau Casinos

Sands China is repurposing its VIP salons across its Macau properties The new change is a consequence of recent legislation that in practice eradicates junket rooms Sands China and Las Vegas Sands top executives welcome the new changes as they expect the redeployment of VIP rooms will bring more revenue Sands China has announced it is restructuring…

Covid ・ 21 July 2022

Gambling News

Macau Posted the Rules for Re-tendering Casino Licenses

Macau's government just unveiled the rules for the re-tendering of the region's gambling licenses. There will be several criteria by which the government will decide whether to license a company or not. Today, the Macau government published the rules for the re-tendering of the special administrative region's gambling licenses. The so-called…

Covid ・ 05 July 2022

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Las Vegas Union asks Macau Govt. for land transaction records involving Genting and Treasure Island failed casino project

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501 - which represents over 2000 members working in Las Vegas casinos- submitted a public record request regarding the land transaction involving Genting Group and Ao Mio Leong to the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU). According to corporate filings, Mio Leongis one of a four-person…

Politics ・ 04 June 2022

GGRAsia

Westside casino still scheduled for 2024 launch: Suntrust

The opening of a five-star hotel and casino complex at the Westside City Project (pictured in an artist's rendering) in Manila, the Philippine capital, remains scheduled for 2024, says Suntrust Home Developers Inc, the property's promoter. "As of December 31, 2021, the construction work of pile cap has been completed while the construction works of…

Land-based ・ 27 May 2022

Financial Review

Star inquiry to tackle chairman John O’Neill’s stewardship of casino

In its eighth week of hearings, the NSW inquiry into Star's suitability to run its flagship casino in Sydney is investigating how rigorously board directors and senior executives carried out their duties to the company. Star also allowed Suncity to open a secret, unbranded VIP room after telling the media it was ending their relationship. It also…

Travel ・ 23 May 2022

AGB - Asia Gaming Brief

Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Skill-based slots will take over… in time

Good Morning. AGB's recent article on "where did skill-based slots go?" was well received, though more than a few questions were raised that needed answers. In today's Face-to-Face interview, AGB editor Felix Ng speaks to Michael Darley, CEO of skill-based slots supplier Next Gaming about what happened to skill-based slots during the pandemic, and…

Covid ・ 20 May 2022

Asia Times

Policy changes make Macau’s casinos a risky bet

Casino operators in Macau, once the world's largest gambling center, are facing serious challenges due to Beijing's decisions to tighten travel rules and clamp down on junkets. Macau's Court of Final Appeal on Monday ruled that operators and junkets organizers were jointly liable for client deposits in nine cases filed by VIP gamblers, who demanded…

Covid ・ 18 May 2022

AGB - Asia Gaming Brief

ARF finds 61% of online gambling sites illegal, with junkets fuelling growth

Global online gambling is booming, although a major new analysis has found that about 61 percent of online betting sites are effectively operating illegally, especially in Asia, where junkets are playing an increasing role. The 94-page report from the Asian Racing Federation examines a wide-ranging series of themes related to online gambling and…

Gambling Sites ・ 16 May 2022

Asgam

China says 42,000 cross-border gambling cases detected in past three years

China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) says it has made every effort to crack down on illegal cross-border gambling over the past three years, detecting 42000 cases of cross-border gambling between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2022. Together with other economic crimes, a total of RMB190.5 billion (US$28.3 billion) in economic losses were…

Travel ・ 10 May 2022

Financial Review

Star, Crown inquiries: How Australia’s casino industry became so rotten

But while The Star took a holier-than-thou approach to its James Packer-backed rival over the past two years - as three separate state inquiries found Crown unfit to hold casino licences in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth - the evidence heard by the NSW inquiry this past month has shown it was similarly dishonest. The NSW probe, helmed by Adam Bell,…

Industry ・ 13 April 2022

Nikkei Asia

Downfall of Macao's junket king rocks Asia-Pacific gambling world -Nikkei Asia

Alvin Chau's Suncity Group has been forced to shut the VIP rooms it operated with all six of Macao's casino operators. (Source photos by Ken Kobayashi and Getty Images) Alvin Chau was seen as a pillar of the community but now sits in jail HONG KONG -- For years, casinos across the world prized one client type above all others: the Chinese high…

Incidents ・ 07 April 2022

Mandurah Mail

Star probe hears of casino 'shredder'

Star Entertainment's chief financial crime officer says she may have shredded a Hong Kong Jockey Club report detailing alleged links of an overseas junket operator to triads, drug trafficking and money laundering, an inquiry has been told. The NSW gaming regulator's inquiry, now in its fourth week, is investigating whether The Star Sydney has been…

Gaming Authorities ・ 05 April 2022

Vegas Slots Online

Why Are Macau Casinos Struggling in Pandemic Recovery?

Commenting in August 2020, analysts from investment bank JP Morgan predicted that the Macau gambling market would begin its road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-August that year. They estimated that casinos would recuperate 2019 levels of gross gaming revenue (GGR) by Q32021, pointing to the easing of travel restrictions and an…

Covid ・ 03 April 2022

Boorowa News

Star boss denies 'advocating' for casino

The boss of Star Entertainment's financial crime unit has been accused of acting as an advocate for the beleaguered gambling giant, at an inquiry examining its fitness to hold a Sydney casino licence. The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority inquiry into The Star Sydney has so far prompted the resignation of Star CEO Matt Bekier, and sparked…

Gaming Authorities ・ 01 April 2022

Vegas Slots Online

The Star Sydney Casino CCTV Footage Raises Concerns

CCTV footage from The Star Sydney casino back in 2018 has thrown up some serious concerns about money laundering at the property. The release of the footage came as part of an ongoing royal commission into the casino. junket operator was running its own private gaming salon The video shows a worker for the Macau-based junket operator SunCity…

Sports ・ 23 March 2022

Casino Guru

Macau casino licensees obligated to disclose “major financial move” data

Macau is tightening the noose on casino regulations in the special administrative region (SAR) as a new rule would now require casino licensees to make sure that they disclose any major financial decision they make to the government. In fact, the SAR government would expect the chief executive to be informed about any significant financial moves…

Law ・ 16 March 2022

World Casino News

Macau casinos pay MOP$33.91 billion in taxes for 2021

The Financial Services Bureau in Macau has announced the tax payments from the gaming industry for 2021. Last year, a total of MOP$33.91 billion ($4.22 billion) was paid by operators. This is an increase of 13.8% when compared to the MOP$29.81 billion ($3.73 billion) paid in 2020. While the amount is an increase from the previous year, it is a…

Finance ・ 22 February 2022

VOA

Why Asian Gaming Hub Macao Is Getting Tougher on its Big Casinos

For many serious patrons of casinos, Chinese-ruled Macao has been the mecca of gaming, with high-end shopping and even higher-stakes tables. One of the world's biggest gambling centers before the COVID-19 closures, Macao is now experiencing tougher scrutiny on its casino scene as part of what analysts describe as an effort to control crime and…

Covid ・ 19 February 2022

Yogonet

Macau's casino GGR grows 43.7% in 2021; marks nearly a third of pre-pandemic numbers

According to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macau's casinos secured MOP 7.96 million (USD 990.9M) in December, which accounts for a 1.8% increase in a year-over-year comparison. The full-year tally went up by 43.7% to MOP 86.8 billion (USD10.8B). The overall revenue for 2021 accounts for 29.5% of pre-pandemic…

Covid ・ 16 February 2022

Yogonet

US casino workers union calls for federal probe into Macau's junket SunCity's link with US casinos

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501, which represents over 2000 members working in Las Vegas casinos, on Tuesday called for a coordinated U.S. federal investigation into Macau's largest gambling junket operator SunCity Group and its historical relationships with U.S. gaming companies. In separate letters to the U.S. Justice…

Politics ・ 11 February 2022

Macau Business

Las Vegas casino worker union calls for US federal investigation on gaming operators’ former ties with Suncity

A Las Vegas casino workers union has called for a coordinated US federal investigation into former junket operator Suncity and its former business ties with US-linked gaming companies. The public statement was issued by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501, which represents over 2000 members, primarily construction workers who…

Land-based ・ 09 February 2022

Macau Business

Las Vegas Sands terminated agreements with three primary junket promoters in Dec, 2021

Las Vegas Sands, the parent group of local gaming concessionaire Sands China, has indicated in an annual report to have terminated agreements with its'three primary gaming promoters' in December 2021. The indication - included in the group's annual report for 2021 - comes at a time of increased regulatory oversight by authorities towards VIP gaming…

Travel ・ 07 February 2022

Vegas Slots Online

Macau Police Arrest Another Casino Kingpin in Latest Raid

Police in Macau have arrested a casino kingpin with links to fallen junket billionaire Alvin Chau Cheok-wa in a raid that netted HK$4.1m (US$525745). Macau's Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested Macau Legend Development's CEO and controlling shareholder Chan Weng Lin on Friday. Another man, which media sources believe to be Choi Wai Chan, chairman of…

Incidents ・ 31 January 2022

Market Watch

Shares of casino operator Macau Legend dive following arrest of CEO

Macau Legend Development's 1680, -19.30% share fell as much 30% after Macau media reports of the arrest of its chief executive officer over the weekend, on suspicion of money laundering and illegal gambling including the operation of online casinos. Police said the arrest of the hotel and casino operator's chief executive Chan Weng Lin was directly…

Industry ・ 31 January 2022

South China Morning Post

Macau police arrest 2 suspects in cross-border gambling syndicate linked to ‘junket king’ Alvin Chau

Media in Macau have reported that Tak Chun Group chairman Levo Chan was one of two suspects arrested in connection with an illegal cross-border gambling syndicate. Photo: Getty Images Media in Macau have reported that Tak Chun Group chairman Levo Chan was one of two suspects arrested in connection with an illegal cross-border gambling syndicate.

Incidents ・ 30 January 2022

Macau Business

Police arrest two in illegal gambling crackdown, Tak Chun boss Levo Chan among detained

The Judiciary Police (PJ) announced today (Sunday) two people in the junket sector were arrested on Friday for alleged crimes of engaging in illegal gambling activities, running a crime syndicate and money laundering. The authorities did not identify the two suspects, only referring to them as two Macau male residents - one surnamed Chan and aged…

Law ・ 30 January 2022

The Standard

Macau junket tally halves

Macau's gaming regulator yesterday said that the number of junkets or gaming promoters nearly halved over the past 12 months and Suncity (1383) is no longer on the list. The total number of licensed casino operators sank to a record low, to 46 this year from 85 in January 2021, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau said. Major operators on…

Law ・ 26 January 2022

High Stakes

80,000 Arrests as Chinese Gambling Crackdown Continues

More than 80000 arrests for cross-border gambling were made by the Chinese authorities last year, with over 2200 illegal online gambling platforms shut down in the latest crackdown. The arrests and closures were the result of 17000 separate cases investigated by China's Ministry of Public Security, which also resulted in 1600 illegal payment…

Incidents ・ 25 January 2022

ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Macau used to be China's 'good kid', but as Beijing turns on its gambling industry, everything might change

Unlike Hong Kong, Macau has long been nicknamed "the good kid" by Beijing. It was a playground for high rollers from the mainland, who turned this semi-autonomous port city into the world's richest gambling hub. Macau lived under the same "one country, two systems" political model as Hong Kong, just 62 kilometres away, allowing it to also operate a…

Industry ・ 21 January 2022

Gambling News

Mass-Market Gaming the Big Winner in Macau in 4Q2021

Mass gaming is going to be the big driver of gross gaming revenue (GGR) in Macau. This trend already began last year and will become more pronounced as junkets continue to lose their spot. The last quarter of 2021 saw how important the mass-market gaming segment was for the city's GGR, blowing away the VIP input. According to Macau's Gaming…

Baccarat ・ 18 January 2022

GGRAsia

Mass market play record 74pct Macau GGR in 4Q: govt

Mass-market games including slot machines provided 74.3 percent of all Macau's casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the fourth quarter of 2021, at nearly MOP14.18 billion (US$1.77 billion), according to data released on Monday by the city's casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The contribution of the mass segment was a…

Travel ・ 18 January 2022

Real Money

Macau Casinos Finally Catch Break With New Rules

Macau's casino operators are breathing a sigh of relief, as the city outlines amendments to casino regulations that are far better than at first feared. It's a moment of respite after a horrible couple of years. The world's largest gambling hub will offer six casino concessions, the government announced on Friday, but will slash the concession…

Covid ・ 17 January 2022

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GGRAsia

Junkets to find players beyond China: Clark casino boss

VIP gaming promoters, and in particular the ones based in Macau, will "find a way" to serve high-value customers from outside mainland China, says the boss of the newly-revamped Hann Casino Resort in Clark, in the Philippines. "I think junket operators in Macau will find a way to spread out in different jurisdictions" serving players other than…

Covid ・ 10 January 2022

GGRAsia

Junket exit, pandemic 2022 risk for APAC casinos: pundits

The year 2022 is likely to be challenging for bricks and mortar casinos in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, due to a combination of factors including the decline of junkets that have for years hosted Chinese gamblers in Macau and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and the ongoing travel restrictions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. That is according to a…

Covid ・ 31 December 2021

GGRAsia

Rich Goldman deal re VIP room at Solaire Manila ends Jan 1

A profit-share deal involving Hong Kong-listed casino junket promoter Rich Goldman Holdings Ltd, that made possible the introduction of gamblers to a VIP room at Solaire Resort and Casino (pictured) in the Philippine capital, Manila, will be mutually cancelled with effect from Saturday (January 1) by the parties involved, said Rich Goldman in a…

Covid ・ 31 December 2021

Yogonet

Macau casinos seek to replace junket revenues amid crackdown, industry uncertainty

Casinos in Macau, the world's biggest gaming hub, now face uncertainty amid COVID-19 restrictions and an ongoing Chinese government crackdown on the profitable junket business. The enclave, which heavily relied on this market -by arranging transportation, accommodation and credit to gamble for VIP clients-, now looks to everyday gamblers for relief…

Finance ・ 24 December 2021

Reuters

Macau's casinos pin hopes on everyday gamblers after junket shutdowns

HONG KONG, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Macau's casinos face a bleak short-term outlook after shutting most of their lucrative gaming rooms catering to wealthy gamblers and as COVID-19 travel restrictions prevent the shift to mass-market customers that they will depend on in the future. The former Portuguese colony that is the world's biggest gambling hub in…

Covid ・ 21 December 2021

Gambling Insider

Armadillo Studios signs gaming partnership with MMA star Amanda Nunes

Armadillo Studios has signed a new gaming partnership with professional mixed martial arts (MMA) star Amanda Nunes. The company, formed earlier in 2021 and based out of Florida, aims to capture Nunes' successful career by producing a branded slot game for casino players worldwide. The game is slated to release in the second half of 2022, following…

UFC / MMA ・ 20 December 2021

Gambling Insider

Everi launches online gaming content with ALC

With a mission to lead the gaming industry through the power of people and technology, Everi Digital, a provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content, has announced a partnership with Atlantic Lottery Corporation's (ALC) online casinos. Everi's three-reel mechanical and video slot content will now be available online across the New…

Industry ・ 13 December 2021

South China Morning Post

Online gambling will remain a problem that must be watched

Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau has been detained by Macao police after Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant over accusations that he and others ran an illegal cross-border gambling syndicate. Photo: AP Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau has been detained by Macao police after Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant over accusations that he and…

Industry ・ 12 December 2021

GGRAsia

Gaming staff jobs not affected by junket rooms pause: govt

The Macau government has said that jobs of staff working in junket-promoted VIP rooms in the city could not be affected by the suspension of these venues, as those workers are contractually linked to the casino operators. In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau and the Labour Affairs Bureau said that…

Jobs ・ 09 December 2021

Gambling Insider

Macau casino revenues under threat as junket-operated VIP rooms to close

Several casinos in Macau have reported they are to close VIP rooms run by junket operators, in news that will come as a blow to the local gambling industry. Wynn Macau, an operator with two casinos in Macau, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which owns three, have announced their intention to close these VIP rooms by the end of December. The news,…

Finance ・ 07 December 2021

GGRAsia

Several Manila casinos confirm no current Suncity ops

Two casino resorts in the Philippine capital Manila have confirmed to GGRAsia they no longer have links to junket brand Suncity Group and say respectively that the separation was some time ago; an on-site check at a third casino venue shows that a Suncity-branded room has not been open since early last week. The information comes as all Suncity VIP…

Travel ・ 06 December 2021

CNBC

Macao arrests 11 people for illegal gambling and money laundering

Macao police said on Sunday they had arrested 11 people in an investigation into an illegal gambling and money-laundering syndicate, a day after businessman Alvin Chau, who organizes trips to Asian casinos for big spending gamblers, was questioned at a police station. The police said in a statement that people involved in the case acknowledged the…

Law ・ 05 December 2021

Gambling News

Macau Confirms Closure of Suncity VIP Rooms in the City

Macau's gaming regulator has confirmed Wednesday night that all VIP gaming rooms operated by Suncity Group, a junket operator in Macau, have been closed. Alvin Chau, the now-former head of the junket operator, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly organizing illegal gambling, including online gambling, via the Philippines, China, and other…

Jobs ・ 03 December 2021

Asgam

Suncity’s Philippines subsidiary says Manila hotel-casino development unaffected by Alvin Chau arrest

Development of Suncity Group's US$1 billion Manila hotel and casino project will continue as planned despite the arrest of Suncity Chairman Alvin Chau this week, according to the group's Philippines subsidiary. In response to queries from the Philippine Stock Exchange, Suntrust Home Developers Inc, which is 51% owned by Suncity, said it "does not…

Incidents ・ 02 December 2021

New Jersey Online Gambling

Junket Operator's Arrest Drives Macau Casino Stocks Down

Macau casino stocks tanked this week after the arrest of 11 junket operators. Alvin Chau, Suncity Group Holdings' CEO, was among those detained. The region's casino stocks were already struggling due to new virus concerns, but the specter of more regulatory crackdowns pushed them lower still. During the'08-'09 financial crisis, Macau casino stocks…

Finance ・ 01 December 2021

Radio Free Asia

China arrests Macau casino chief in crackdown on cross-border gambling

Macau's Suncity casino operator has shut down its VIP rooms following the arrest of CEO Alvin Chau on suspicion of cross-border gambling and money-laundering, Reuters reported on Wednesday, as the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to curb what it sees as a dangerous outflow of capital from mainland China. The move will slash the number of…

Incidents ・ 01 December 2021

Market Screener

Arrest of Macau's 'junket mogul' rattles the world's largest gambling hub

Alvin Chau, the CEO of gambling group Suncity Group Holdings Ltd, is the founder of the biggest of Macau's junket operators - outfits that bring in high rollers to play at casinos. He was arrested on Sunday by Macau authorities over alleged links to cross-border gambling. A warrant for his arrest has also been issued in China. Analysts say his…

Incidents ・ 01 December 2021

Forbes

Why Macau’s Casinos Are Still The Best Bet For Wynn And Las Vegas Sands

B efore the pandemic, Macau was the world's most lucrative gaming market in the world. But after nearly two years of outbreaks and lockdowns, which largely closed the borders of the autonomous region belonging to China to visitors, gambling revenues for the last 10 months are still down 70% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Macau casino stocks are…

Covid ・ 01 December 2021

Reuters

Macau gambling group Suncity's shares plunge after CEO arrested

HONG KONG, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Shares of Macau gambling group Suncity Group Holdings Ltd (1383.HK) slumped 40% in resumed trade on Tuesday after its CEO was arrested over alleged links to cross-border gambling. The company said he intends to resign. Alvin Chau, also the founder of Macau's biggest junket operator which brings in high rollers to play…

Industry ・ 30 November 2021

Global Times

14 fugitives with Red Notice from Interpol suspected of cross-border gambling and telecommunication fraud repatriated to China

14 fugitives with Red Notice from Interpol suspected of cross-border gambling and telecommunication fraud repatriated to China criminal Photo: VCG A total of 14 Chinese nationals with Red Notice from Interpol for suspected cross-border gambling and telecommunication fraud were escorted and repatriated to China thanks to the close cooperation…

Trust and Safety ・ 29 November 2021

Barron's

Macau Casino Stocks Tumbled Again. Crackdown Fears Are Back.

Shares in Macau's casino operators tumbled on Monday, after the chairman of junket operator Suncity Group was reportedly held by police amid allegations of illegal gambling and money laundering. Alvin Chau was one of 11 people held for questioning, Macau police said Sunday, after authorities in mainland China issued a warrant for his arrest, the…

Finance ・ 29 November 2021

Gambling Insider

HITSqwad granted Gambling Commission licence to operate in the UK

The new game studio, HITSqwad, has been granted a Remote Gambling Software Licence by the Gambling Commission in the UK. This furthers the company's aims to become a successful provider of jackpot games in core markets worldwide, allowing it to provide online games to operators in the UK market via Playzido in early 2022.HitSqwad is fully compliant…

Gaming Authorities ・ 29 November 2021

Macau Business

Security forces to closely monitor the evolution of gambling-related crimes

Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak stated today (Monday) in the Legislative Assembly that the security forces under his office will closely monitor the evolution of gambling-related crimes. "The Judiciary Police will […] improve the functioning of the deployment and inspection mechanism and carry out unannounced raids, with a view to effectively…

Law ・ 29 November 2021

Macau Business

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate warns of high incidence of illegal gaming operations with ‘out-of-borders’ elements

The Chinese Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) emphasized today (Monday) that illegal gaming operations in the mainland with'out-of-borders' elements were still highly prevalent and warned for the risks they posed to mainland China's economy and social order. The SPP is the country's Prosecutor General's Office, the highest national agency…

Law ・ 29 November 2021

Global Times

Over 63,000 are accused of opening casinos in the first nine months this year: top Chinese prosecutor

Over 63000 are accused of opening casinos in the first nine months this year: top Chinese prosecutor Guests play slot machines on the gaming floor during the launch of full-scale sports betting at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, Delaware, US. Photo: VCG A total of 63238 individuals in China were accused of illegally opening casinos between…

Incidents ・ 29 November 2021

Aljazeera

Macau police arrest 11 for alleged illegal gambling

Arrests come a day after junket mogul Alvin Chau is questioned by police in the special administrative region. Macau police said they had arrested 11 people in an investigation into an illegal gambling and money-laundering syndicate, a day after businessman Alvin Chau, who organises trips to Asian casinos for big-spending gamblers, was questioned…

Law ・ 29 November 2021

Spectrum News

China issues warrant for Suncity boss over illegal gambling

BEIJING (AP) - Macao police on Saturday detained the head of Macao's biggest junket organizer and others after Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant for them over accusations that they ran an illegal cross-border gambling syndicate. The arrests in the gambling enclave came after prosecutors in Wenzhou, in the eastern province of Zhejiang, on…

Law ・ 27 November 2021

The Sydney Morning Herald

Star casino linked to organised crime, money laundering, foreign influence

Listed gaming giant Star Entertainment has been enabling suspected money laundering, organised crime, large-scale fraud and foreign interference within its Australian casinos for years, even though its board was warned its anti-money-laundering controls were failing. Between 2014 and 2021, Star cultivated high-roller gamblers who are allegedly…

Incidents ・ 10 October 2021

GGRAsia

Manila casino firm changes name to Suntrust Resort Holdings

Suntrust Home Developers Inc, a firm involved in the creation of a casino hotel at the Westside City scheme (construction site pictured), in the Philippine capital Manila, confirmed in a Tuesday filing that the board had on Monday approved changing the company's name to Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc. As of August, the casino at Westside City was…

Travel ・ 08 September 2021

Inquirer

Suncity vows to return irate casino high rollers’ millions stuck since pandemic began

MANILA, Philippines-The local unit of Suncity Group, the world's largest casino junket operator, is reportedly readying cash and properties to reimburse junket players hundreds of millions of pesos in advance deposit placements made just before the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020. In a letter to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.…

Covid ・ 09 August 2021